1 Corinthians 7

4 The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. 
The Christians in Corinth were surrounded by self-indulging ideals and practices. Even pagans considered the city sexual immorality compared to their standards. On top of this the ancient culture of the time tended to view women to be traded as property for the sake of politics or means to an end. Paul who was inspired by the Holy Spirit spoke a new truth which must have been unique at the time to view woman as sexually equal.